"This is an important step forward for the Irish language. I congratulate
everyone who took part in the long campaign for Stadas na Gaeilge. I was
very glad to support this campaign in the Dáil for the past number of years.
This decision shows the importance of campaigning aimed at the authorities
here and in the EU. It should be remembered that the Government was
unwilling to put this issue forward until it was raised as a major issue
during the EU election campaign last year, raised by Sinn Féin, among other
parties and groups.

"The Irish language community is doing great work to promote the language
here in Ireland. But there is a shortage of work opportunities for people
whho wish to work through the medium of Irish. I hope this decision will
create work opportunities for young Irish speakers. With new technology many
of those posts can be located in the Gaeltacht and other areas around the
country." ENDS